Last night’s episode of “Cupcake Wars” on the Food Network proved that, despite its challenges, gluten-free baking can take on stiff competition. Sweet Freedom Bakery, a gluten-free, vegan and allergy-friendly bake shop in Philadelphia took on three traditional bakeries in the all-out cupcake battle.

This week’s challenge focused on the Hard Rock Café and breast cancer awareness, as the restaurant chain prepared for its annual Think Pink fundraiser. Bakers were given a series of challenges, many of which put gluten-free cooking at a greater disadvantage, Sweet Freedom co-owner Allison Lubert noted during the episode.

The first round required the bakers to pick from several odd ingredients, including caviar and cotton candy, and incorporate them into their cupcakes. As Allison pointed out, many of the items were not allergen-friendly.

In the second round, presentation was a key criterion. Unlike their competitors, Sweet Freedom’s bakers couldn’t use fondant and opted for plastic decorations instead.

Sweet Freedom Bakery made it to the second round of the competition, earning rave reviews for many of their creations.

Another gluten-free bakery, Crave Bake Shop in Portland, OR, also competed on “Cupcake Wars” in the Season 2 opener, making it to the final round.

Fans can watch a rerun of the “Hard Rock” episode of “Cupcake Wars” on Sunday, Jan. 2, at 5 p.m. ET.